There is growing consensus in West Virginia that our criminal legal system fails to create the conditions necessary for rehabilitation and healing.
West Virginia’s system was designed to punish, and it does so at significant expense to taxpayers and society as a whole.
The West Virginia Criminal Law Reform Coalition is made up of organizations and people directly impacted who are working to reduce our reliance on incarceration and law enforcement in West Virginia. We work at the community and state levels to influence and enact policy that will break the school-to-prison pipeline, end the overpolicing of communities of color, reduce pretrial incarceration, confront the criminalization of poverty, and more.
Our people join this fight for a variety of reasons. Some are brought in through their lived experience with the system. Some are called by our faith to oppose cruel systems of punishment. Some of us are concerned that our tax dollars should not be so heavily invested in a system that reduces people’s earning potential. Many see the horrible impact that this system has on children. Others see this system, which disproportionately targets Black people and other people of color, as one of the most blatant examples of systemic racism in our country.
No matter what motivates us, we are in this fight together for a more just future in the Mountain State.
Stronger Together
If you or a loved one wants to work with other West Virginians to reduce the criminal legal system and its harm, register to join the CLR Coalition.
Upcoming Events
Leading for Justice
Monday, January 13 - Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Join us for the 3rd annual statewide criminal law reform conference. Sessions will include the history of police and police violence in Appalachia, how to advocate for justice involved individuals with disabilities, and a Know-Your-Rights training. Other highlights include a prison art exhibit, trauma-informed yoga with Laotong Yoga, and a youth track for people ages 13-17.
Location: John XXIII Retreat Center, 100 Hodges Rd, Charleston, West Virginia 25314
Cost to Attend: Conference, Meals, and Lodging – $250*
Conference and Meals Only (no lodging) – $100 *
*Note: If you are directly impacted by the criminal system, full scholarships are available.
West Virginia Listening Project: Stories of Change
The CLR Coalition is hitting the road for a series of listening sessions. These community events are an opportunity to hear from those most impacted by mental illness, substance use disorder, poverty, and the criminal legal system.
Join us so you can help us answer the question: What should our elected officials be doing to make our lives better?
To learn more about hosting a listening session or to attend one in your area, email JoAnna Vance at: jvance@afsc.org.
CLR Coalition Partners
